Sanity Check...Oil Leak

[CCM911]

My 1984 Targa is leaking a lot of oil. I checked all the "usual suspects", as did my tech. We both feel it is the oil return tubes, which I plan to replace this weekend. The prior tubes have been on my car for about seven or eight years. Is it normal for them to start leaking again in this time period?

Thanks in advance.

[kidrock]

I guess the first question would be, where does your leaking terminate? At what point from your car is the oil hitting the floor?

If it's not immediately noticeable (and it rarely is), you may need to give your motor a good cleaning. Then, you can more readily trace the leak backwards towards it's source.

[gregwils]

I'm not sure there is a "normal", but 8 years would reasonable life. There are a lot of variables that could effect how long they seal well.

I would make sure that you thoroughly clean the area of the cam tower and case where they install, then use a silicone grease to slide them into place. The steel collapsible tubes, not the aluminum, are considered to be a better choice for replacement. The male portion of the tube should be adjacent to the cam tower. It's pretty straight forward. Waaaay easier with the heat exchangers removed, but doable with them on.

[rusnak]

You can change just the return tube seals if you have the collapsable ones.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by CCM911

My 1984 Targa is leaking a lot of oil. I checked all the "usual suspects", as did my tech. We both feel it is the oil return tubes, which I plan to replace this weekend. The prior tubes have been on my car for about seven or eight years. Is it normal for them to start leaking again in this time period?

Thanks in advance.

Check the recent post on '87 oil leaks.

[CCM911]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

Check the recent post on '87 oil leaks.

Actually, I have cleaned and analyzed the entire engine. Just did a ton of work. T-Stat and Oil Pressure switch are fine. Followed up with an eyeball from my technician. We both agree that the oil return tubes could use a replacement.

All I am asking is for some feedback from others that have experienced the same issue. I read the "How To" where the 914 Owner's car dumped all the oil overnight. But that sounds really extreme.

Since I have already tried the steel tubes, I have switched to the aluminum, which were highly recommended by my technician.

Based on my last experience with this replacement, I have placed the tubes in the freezer and have plenty of Sil Glide ready to go.

Sorry for the ramble. I was just doing one final Sanity check.

[dshepp806]

Tha Aluminum ones are fine.....


If it's leaking from the return tubes, shouldn't this be easily "seen".....?

Best,

Doyle

[CCM911]

Originally Posted by dshepp806

Tha Aluminum ones are fine.....


If it's leaking from the return tubes, shouldn't this be easily "seen".....?

Best,

Doyle

Unfortunately, the final check was done right when the oil was clean. Doh!

But now after my last reply, I did read the thread on the other oil leak, and "Double Doh!!!", I never checked the breather line.

Why are all you smart folks tormenting me with new places to look for leaks?

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by CCM911

Unfortunately, the final check was done right when the oil was clean. Doh!

But now after my last reply, I did read the thread on the other oil leak, and "Double Doh!!!", I never checked the breather line.

Why are all you smart folks tormenting me with new places to look for leaks?

Because of the direct interface with the engine (heat), the oil return tube gets very hot and cracks.

When I removed/replaced mine last year, along with the other gaskets, it literaly came apart at the engine interface.